弗林德斯大学

Working in the international development context is becoming increasingly complex. The Master of Health and International Development acknowledges this. In particular, it addresses the need for a more thorough understanding of international development by those working in the health sector, and the need for a more informed understanding of the role of health in development for international development managers and practitioners.

The course is designed for people working in government, non-government organisations or private consulting organisations either in Australia or overseas. The content has been developed to meet the needs of both external advisers and local health and/or development personnel.

Specifically, the course aims to provide you with:

• knowledge and skills in the field of international development and public health practice, enabling you to better plan, develop, manage and evaluate health initiatives and programs
• an understanding of the philosophical, theoretical and empirical issues of international development
• an understanding of public health and comprehensive primary health care as applies in the developing world
• critical insights into the social, political and cultural processes, as well as the institutional contexts that shape health and development issues, research, policy and practice.

Master of Health and International Development graduates will be better equipped to plan health and development interventions, undertake gender assessments and evaluate project outcomes.

What you will study

The course enables you to better plan, develop, manage and evaluate health initiatives and programs. It gives you an understanding of international development issues, and of public health and comprehensive primary health care as it applies in the developing world. You will gain critical insights into the contexts that shape health and development issues, research, policy and practice. Topics cover areas such as development problems, policies and programs; gender mainstreaming; social determinants of health and wellbeing; primary health care practice in developing countries; public health care practice development; gender analysis; and action on social determinants of health.

Your career

Health and international development is a fast-growing area with long-term trends shaping the sector including an ageing population and advancements in healthcare.

Formal training in international development is becoming increasingly important for people wishing to obtain employment in development settings.

Potential occupations include:

• international public health officer
• international health manager
• development field worker
• health work trainer
• international development project officer
• international health research officer.

Potential employers include:

• community health providers
• government agencies
• non-government agencies
• development agencies
• hospitals
• non-government organisations
• research centres